NCAA to Query Bruins Over Cars

An NCAA official is in Southern California to question two UCLA basketball recruits, UCLA officials confirmed Wednesday.

The Times has learned that one line of questioning includes the late-model cars currently being driven by the players. The Times also has learned that a key aspect of the investigation is the fact that both freshmen-to-be players, plus several other Southland stars also expected to be questioned by the NCAA, acquired their cars through the same automobile dealership, Ford of Orange.

Marc Dellins, UCLA sports information director, confirmed the investigation but declined to name the players. Sources said the two are Baron Davis of Santa Monica Crossroads and Schea Cotton of Bellflower St. John Bosco. Cotton’s car is a 1997 Ford Explorer, Davis’ a Ford Eddie Bauer edition sport-utility vehicle.

Davis, considered the top point-guard prospect in the nation in this year’s recruiting class, was the focus of controversy last October, when his sister, Lisa Hodoh, purchased a 1991 Chevy Blazer registered to former Bruin Coach Jim Harrick. The purchase came two days after Davis verbally committed to play for the Bruins.

A sales representative at Ford of Orange said Wednesday night that Davis “probably got it from here,” but he declined to give his name. He said the dealership would provide no further information.

The presence in the Southland of NCAA investigator Carl Hicks also was confirmed by Tom Lewis, a former area standout player, and by Cotton’s parents.

Lewis said he was questioned by Hicks Wednesday on the campus at Long Beach State, where he is an assistant basketball coach.

Lewis is a longtime friend and associate of Pat Barrett, an Orange County youth basketball coach, who coached both Cotton and Davis in youth leagues.

“I told him Pat is my friend, but I don’t know anything about this,” Lewis said. “Pat lives his life and I live mine, and none of this has anything to do with me.”

Cotton’s parents said they have been asked to produce records showing who leased Schea’s Ford Explorer from Ford of Orange. The Cottons said they were told by Hicks that one issue he would explore is whether Barrett helped them acquire the car.

Barrett is out of town and could not be reached for comment.

Gaynell Cotton, Shea’s mother, said the car was under a two-year lease, and added, “My husband and I have nothing to hide. They want us to prove that we bought our son his car, which we definitely want to do.

Davis was at UCLA and could not be reached for comment Wednesday night. Hodoh, when reached late Wednesday night, said, “Baron doesn’t have a car. It is my car. I have no comment.”